The UN observers recommend that Georgian authorities give the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) the right to freely hold monitoring in prisons.

The situation in Georgia's penitentiary system has improved, but this sphere still needs reforms, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay said on May 21.

Pillay made the remarks during a press conference in Tbilisi, after visiting the country.

"Most recently, the situation in Georgian prisons was quite difficult; tortures and inhuman treatment of prisoners were of systemic nature. However, today, the situation has radically improved, the number of prisoners has decreased and health care in prisons became available," the UN high commissioner said.

Pillay also called on the Georgian parliament to timely adopt the package of draft laws 'On illegal wiretapping'.

"The Georgian government adopted a very good decision to destroy illegally obtained video and audio materials. Nevertheless, there are still concerns about the fact that the privacy rights aren't really protected," the commissioner said.